B cell mechanotransduction via ATAT1 coordinates actin and lysosomal dynamics at the immune synapse

  • Pablo Aceitón
  • , Isidora Riobó
  • , Felipe Del Valle Batalla
  • , Jheimmy Diaz-Muñoz
  • , Romina Ulloa
  • , Fernanda Cabrera Reyes
  • , Teemly Contreras
  • , Sara Hernández-Pérez
  • , Pieta K. Mattila
  • , María Isabel Yuseff

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

B cells extract immobilized antigens via immune synapse formation, a process influenced by the physical properties of the antigen-presenting surface. However, the mechanisms linking mechanotransduction to antigen extraction and processing remain poorly understood. Here, we show that B cells activated on stiff substrates initiate mechanotransduction responses that drive the translocation of the microtubule acetylase ATAT1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, leading to increased α-tubulin acetylation. This modification releases GEF-H1 at the immune synapse, where it promotes the formation of actin foci essential for antigen extraction. Acetylated microtubules also enable B cells to stabilize and position lysosomes at the synapse center, thereby coupling actin-dependent extraction to antigen processing and presentation. Accordingly, ATAT1-silenced B cells fail to concentrate actin foci and lysosomes at the synaptic interface, resulting in impaired antigen extraction and presentation to T cells. Overall, these findings underscore how BCR-dependent mechanotransduction induces microtubule modifications to orchestrate lysosome positioning and actin remodeling at the immune synapse.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Cell Biology
Volume224
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Aug 2025
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

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